5 Easy Tasks that Save Your Messy House When Company's Coming

We've all been there.  You're rushed, busy, and tired after working all day.  But company's coming, and you're desperate to fix the piles of clutter, unfinished projects, and dusty surfaces.  How do you create a sense of calm – right now – so you can relax and welcome guests?

Here are five simple jobs that can soothe your racing mind and tame your messy house.

1.  Start with quick wins.

These tasks take just minutes, but have a high impact on the look of your space, and let you feel motivated by what you've accomplished.

• Collect all trash, then take it out.
• Collect mail and papers into a basket for later sorting.
• Load the dishwasher and wipe down kitchen countertops.
• Hang up scattered re-wearable clothing, and place dirty items in a laundry hamper.
• Gather potions and grooming tools into a basket for later sorting/decluttering.  Wipe down the bathroom mirror and counter, leaving it clear except for hand soap and a clean towel.

Use a natural all-purpose cleaner and Swedish dishcloths to cut down on waste.*

* This blog is reader-supported.  If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission.

2.  Reset your seating.

Instead of cleaning the entire living room, focus on the seating area.  Clear the coffee table, dust it, and return one thing, such as a plant, vase, or scented candle.  Fluff up the toss pillows and fold the throw blanket, draping it over one arm of the sofa.

This little reset creates space for your guests and lets you feel calm and prepared.

3.  Tackle your line of sight.

You may have drawers, cupboards, and closets crammed with clutter, but with guests on the way you shouldn't worry about those.  Focus on the countertops, tabletops, and floor space you can see when you sit in your living room or dining area (where your guests will spend the most time).

Walk through the area with a box or laundry basket, asking yourself "What doesn't belong in this room?"  Drop those items in the basket and stash it.  Don't worry about putting things away right now.  Simply enjoy how much lighter and more intentional your room feels.

4.  Ventilate.

Natural light and air circulation do wonders for your mood, and make your space feel fresher and energized.  Even in cold or hot weather, opening a window for just ten minutes can make a difference.  And open those curtains or blinds!  You might keep them closed because you're unhappy about your messy home and worried that someone will see, but it's unlikely that anyone is looking in your windows.

Clutter (and feeling defeated by it) is stagnant, and keeping things aired out and open will help dissipate that "stuck" feeling.

5.  Contain your clutter.

Sometimes you don't have to completely declutter your space to make it look and feel less messy.  Conceal clutter in plain sight by using a jar, basket, bowl, or tray to corral things like magazines, remotes, charging cords, pens, notepads, reading glasses, keys, coasters, hair accessories, etc.  Keeping everything together in one receptacle looks planned and organized.

The welcoming result

Mess and clutter raise cortisol levels in the brain, leading to feelings of stress and discomfort.  That's exactly what you don't want for your guests – or for yourself, when you're trying to relax and connect with loved ones.  Take these five steps, and the result will make you happier at home.

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Keep these 5 quick and easy steps handy for the next time you have guests on the way.